Accessory Cart

ABSTRACT

In the specification and drawings an accessory cart is described and shown with a base, a housing element that is connected to the base and extends upward from the base, and a platform, which is connected to the housing element with the height of the platform being automatically adjustable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/763,395,filed on Feb. 8, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/596,635, filed Feb. 8, 2012, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile accessory carts that carry computers are commonly used inhealthcare and other industries to provide portable workstations.Similar to a computer workstation in an ordinary office setting,ergonomic features are important for mobile accessory carts as well. Forexample, the height of the work surface, keyboard, and monitor all playa major role in ergonomics because posture is determined by sight andreach. Adjustability of the height of the work surface, keyboard, and/ormonitor is very important as users come in all shapes and sizes. Whilecurrent mobile accessory carts allow users to adjust the height of thework surface, keyboard, and/or monitor, the adjustability mechanisms areoften cumbersome and complicated and require many steps. As a result,users are not making the necessary adjustments to mobile accessorycarts. This is especially true in the healthcare industry, wherehealthcare professionals typically use multiple mobile accessory cartsthroughout the day, for an average of only approximately three to fourminutes at a time.

Further, many healthcare professionals do not receive the propertraining regarding optimal ergonomic positioning of the work surface,keyboard, and monitor of a mobile accessory cart. Therefore, in raresituations in which users do make adjustments to a mobile accessorycart, they are often not ergonomically correct for the particular user.By not making the proper ergonomic adjustments, continuous work in apoor ergonomic position leads to repetitive strain injuries, which areincreasingly being reported by healthcare professionals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an accessory cartthat comprises a base, a housing element, which is connected to thebase, extending upward from the base and a work platform that isconnected to the housing element with the height of the work platformbeing automatically adjustable.

An embodiment of an accessory cart where the work platform isautomatically adjustable to a plurality of predetermined heights andeach of the plurality of predetermined heights corresponds to ameasurable aspect of a potential user.

An embodiment of an accessory cart where the measurable aspect of thepotential user is a height of the potential user.

An embodiment of an accessory cart where the height of the work platformis automatically adjustable without a need for a user to manually make aselection on the accessory cart.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a sensor, and theheight of the work platform is automatically adjustable based oninformation obtained by the sensor about the user.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a deployabletracking wheel, which is located at about a center of gravity of theaccessory cart, connected to the base.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a release switchwith the tracking wheel being deployable in a first state by continuousengagement of the release switch by a potential user and the trackingwheel being retractable in a second state by disengagement of therelease switch by the potential user.

An embodiment of an accessory cart where the work platform has a firstgroove formed in a first surface of the work platform and a secondgroove formed in a second surface of the work platform, which opposesthe first surface and the computer input device platform is slideablealong the first groove and the second groove at most to a first lateraledge or a second lateral edge of the work platform.

An embodiment of an accessory cart where the accessory cart comprises acomputer input device platform that is removably connected to the workplatform.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a power supplylocated on the accessory cart with the power supply capable of beingwirelessly charged.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a keyboard platformthat is fixed at an ergonomically negative angle.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a keyboard supportsurface and the keyboard support surface is fixed at an ergonomicallynegative angle.

An embodiment of an accessory cart, which comprises a computer inputdevice platform that is magnetically connectable to the keyboard supportsurface.

An embodiment of a method of adjusting a height of a platform of anaccessory cart, that comprises the steps of equipping the accessory cartwith a plurality of predetermined platform heights, and automaticallyadjusting the platform to at least one of the plurality of predeterminedplatform heights.

An embodiment of a method of adjusting a height of a platform of anaccessory cart where the method comprises the step of corresponding ameasurable aspect of a potential user to at least one of the pluralityof predetermined platform heights.

An embodiment of a method of adjusting a height of a platform of anaccessory cart where the method comprises the step of corresponding aheight of a potential user to at least one of the plurality ofpredetermined platform heights.

An embodiment of a method of adjusting a height of a platform of anaccessory cart where the method comprises the step of wirelesslycharging a power supply located on the accessory cart.

An embodiment of a method of adjusting a height of a platform of anaccessory cart where the method comprises the step of deploying atracking wheel from a base of the accessory cart.

An embodiment of an accessory cart that comprises a base, a housingelement, which is connected to the base, extending upward from the base,a platform, which is connected to the housing element and a means forautomatically adjusting a height of the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, which are not true to scale, and which, together with thedetailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of thespecification, serve to illustrate further various embodiments and toexplain various principles and advantages all in accordance with thepresent invention. Advantages of embodiments of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiments thereof, which should be considered in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of an exemplary mobile accessory cart;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial rear perspective view of the accessory cart of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is another front view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1, shown witha monitor rotated to the side;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of multiple side views of the accessory cart of FIG.1, illustrating various configurations of a monitor mount;

FIG. 7A to 7C depict ergonomic challenges associated with mountedmonitors;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an upper portion of the accessory cartof FIG. 1;

FIG. 9B is a partial side view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1,illustrating the ergonomic range for positioning of a user's forearmrelative to the accessory cart;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of the upper portion of the accessorycart of FIG. 1, shown with an exemplary computer input device platformattached thereto;

FIG. 10B is a partial side view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1,illustrating the ergonomic range for positioning of a user's forearmrelative to the accessory cart;

FIG. 11A is a diagram of the ergonomic range for a user's sight andvertical reach relative to the accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11B is a diagram of the ergonomic range for a user's horizontalreach relative to the accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting the accessory cart of FIG. 1 in both asit configuration and a stand configuration;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of typical steps required to adjust existingaccessory carts;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of steps of FIG. 13 for adjusting an accessory cartin accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are illustrations of a user pushing an existingaccessory cart and the track of an existing accessory cart taken whenpushed by a user;

FIG. 16A is a partial, bottom side perspective view of the accessorycart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16B is a partial, cross-sectional, side perspective view of a lowerportion of the accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 16C and 16D are partial, transparent views of the accessory cartof FIG. 1;

FIG. 16E is a diagram illustrating a path of motion for the accessorycart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17A to 17D illustrate perspective views of the accessory cart ofFIG. 1, shown with various computer solutions;

FIG. 18A is a rear perspective, partially transparent, view of theaccessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18B is a partial, rear perspective view of a top portion of theaccessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18C is a partial, rear perspective view of a lower portion of theaccessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19A is a partial, cross-sectional, rear side perspective view ofthe accessory cart of FIG. 1;

FIG. 19B is a partial, cross-sectional side view of the accessory cartof FIG. 1;

FIGS. 20A and 20B are partial, side perspective views of the accessorycart of FIG. 1, shown with an extended work surface;

FIG. 21A is a front perspective view of the accessory cart of FIG. 1,shown with additional storage options;

FIG. 21B is a partial, front side perspective view of the accessory cartof FIG. 1, shown with alternative storage options and accessories;

FIG. 21C is a partial, rear side perspective view of the accessory cartof FIG. 1, shown with yet further alternative storage options andaccessories;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are perspective views of the accessory cart of FIG. 1,shown with wireless battery recharging solutions;

FIG. 24 is a front view of another exemplary accessory cart;

FIG. 25 is front side perspective view of the accessory cart of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the accessory cart of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an exemplary accessory cart inaccordance with a further embodiment;

FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective views of an exemplary accessory cartin accordance with yet an additional embodiment;

FIGS. 29A to 29C are partial, side views of the accessory cart of FIG.24, shown with various storage configurations;

FIGS. 30A to 30D are side perspective views of embodiments of an yet afurther exemplary accessory cart shown with various additional storageconfigurations;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a storage option for use with anaccessory cart;

FIG. 32 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the accessory cart ofFIGS. 30A to 30D;

FIGS. 33A to 33E are perspective views of storage options and componentsthereof for use with an accessory cart;

FIG. 34 is a partial, perspective view of an upper portion of theaccessory cart of FIGS. 30A to 30D;

FIG. 35 is a side perspective view of the accessory cart of FIGS. 30A to30D;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a computer input device platformassembled with an accessory cart;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a computer inputdevice platform; and

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the computer input device platformof FIG. 37.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in variousforms. As such, any feature(s) used in one embodiment can be used inanother embodiment. Therefore, specific structural and functionaldetails disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, butmerely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further,the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, butrather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. Whilethe specification concludes with claims defining the features of theinvention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the inventionwill be better understood from a consideration of the followingdescription in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which likereference numerals are carried forward.

Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spiritor the scope of the invention. Additionally, well-known elements ofexemplary embodiments of the invention will not be described in detailor will be omitted so as not to obscure the relevant details of theinvention.

Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only and is not intended to belimiting. The terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as twoor more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having,” as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The terms“connected” and/or “coupled,” as used herein, are defined as connected,although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the likemay be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from anotherentity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actualsuch relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms“comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intendedto cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method,article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not includeonly those elements but may include other elements not expressly listedor inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An elementproceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints,preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to allnumeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These termsgenerally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art wouldconsider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the samefunction or result). In many instances these terms may include numbersthat are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The terms “program,” “software application,” and the like as usedherein, are defined as a sequence of instructions designed for executionon a computer system. A “program,” “computer program,” or “softwareapplication” may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, anobject method, an object implementation, an executable application, anapplet, a servlet, a source code, an object code, a sharedlibrary/dynamic load library and/or other sequence of instructionsdesigned for execution on a computer system.

Herein various embodiments of the present invention are described. Inmany of the different embodiments, features are similar. Therefore, toavoid redundancy, repetitive description of these similar features maynot be made in some circumstances. It shall be understood, however, thatdescription of a first-appearing feature applies to the later describedsimilar feature and each respective description, therefore, is to beincorporated therein without such repetition.

Described now are exemplary embodiments of the present invention.Referring now to the drawings, beginning with FIGS. 1 to 4, an exemplaryembodiment of a mobile accessory cart 100 is shown that can includefeatures such as ergonomic positioning of a keyboard and a mouse,automatic height adjustment of a work surface to an ergonomicallycorrect position, and advanced control and mobility. The accessory cart100 includes a work platform 106 supported by a height-adjustablehousing element 104 extending upward from a base 102. A monitor mount121 extends upward from the work platform 106 to support a monitor 124above the work platform 106 such that the monitor 124 can be bothrotatable and height-adjustable. A keyboard platform 110 is fitted toextend from the underside of the work platform 106 to support a keyboard117 thereon at an ergonomic fixed angle relative to the work platform106.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the monitor mount 121 includes a gantry ormonitor support frame 122, which has two side portions 123 a and amiddle portion 123 b extending therebetween. Each side portion 123 a isattached to an opposing side of the work platform 106 and extends upwardfrom the work platform 106 to the middle portion 123 b, therebyproviding an increased work surface 108 and better viewing accessthrough a viewing window 105 created between the work surface 108 andthe raised middle portion 123 b of the monitor support frame 122 whileguiding the cart 100. Moreover, the monitor mount 121 can furtherfunction as a handle for pulling the accessory cart 100 from behind, canbe used as an attachment point for accessories, and allows forintegrated cable management of cables that extend from within the workplatform 106 through an opening 152 at the back side of the accessorycart 100 (see FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 21C).

The monitor mount 121 further includes an exemplary monitor arm 125 thatattaches at a first end to and extends upward from the middle portion123 b of the monitor support frame 122 with the monitor 124 attached ata second end of the monitor arm 125. The monitor arm 125 can bepivotally mounted to the monitor support frame 122 at a pivot point 126.The pivot point 126 defines an axis substantially parallel to the middleportion 123 b of the monitor support frame 122 and about which themonitor arm 125 is operable to pivot to adjust the vertical position ofthe monitor 124 relative to the work platform 106. In a furtherexemplary embodiment, a mounting bracket 128, which is affixable to theback of the monitor 124, can be pivotally mounted to the monitor arm 125at pivot points 127 a and 127 b. The pivot point 127 a defines an axisthat is substantially perpendicular to the middle portion 123 b of themonitor support frame 122 and about which the monitor 124 is operable topivot to allow rotation of the monitor 124, for example, to shareinformation with a patient (see FIG. 5). The pivot point 127 b definesan axis that is substantially parallel to the middle portion 123 b ofthe monitor support frame 122 and about which the monitor 124 isoperable to pivot such that the monitor 124 is rotatable at an anglerelative to the work platform 106, for bi-focal use, transporting theaccessory cart 100, or touch screen use (if using a touch-screenmonitor), for example (see FIG. 6). Additionally, the monitor mount 121,in combination with the monitor arm 125 and the pivot points 126, 127 a,and 127 b aid to ensure that the height of a monitor is adjustablewithin a proper ergonomic range (e.g., 19 inches-23 inches for 5%females to 95% males). It should be noted that the pivot points 126, 127a, and 127 b can include any suitable connection mechanism for pivotallyconnecting monitors to monitor arms. Moreover, the exemplary monitormount 121 can be configured to hold different sized monitors usingindustry-standard VESA mounts and brackets. Accordingly, the exemplarymonitor mount 121 addresses the challenges faced by users of mobileaccessory carts that comprise a computer monitor, including thosedepicted in FIGS. 7A to 7C, (the adjustment of a monitor to ensure thatit is positioned within a proper ergonomic range for a user, allowingthe monitor to be rotatable, and having the ability to move a monitorout of view when a user is moving the accessory cart) among others.

FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the keyboard platform 110, whichincludes a keyboard support frame 112 and a keyboard support surface116, mounted on the keyboard support frame 112. The keyboard supportframe 112 includes a substantially U-shaped support bar 114 and a pairof arms 111 with each arm 111 extending at a fixed angle from an end ofthe U-shaped support bar 114. The arms 111 attach the keyboard supportframe 112 to the underside or the sides of the work platform 106 so thatthe U-shaped support bar 114 (and the keyboard support surface 116 andkeyboard 117 mounted thereon) is fixed at an ergonomic negative angle,which will be described in further detail below with respect to FIGS.9B, 10B, and 11A.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8, the keyboard support surface 116is slidably mounted on the fixed keyboard support frame 112 and ismovable between a first position and a second position. FIGS. 9A and 10Aillustrate the keyboard support surface 116 in the first or front-mostposition, in which the keyboard support surface 116 abuts the U-shapedsupport bar 114 so that the user has full access to type on a keyboard117 supported on the keyboard support surface 116. FIGS. 8 and 16Aillustrate the keyboard support surface 116 in the second position orrear-most position, in which the keyboard support surface 116 is movedin a direction toward the work platform 106 (as indicated by the arrow132 in FIG. 8) to create a gap 120 between the keyboard support surface116 and the support bar 114. In this position, the support bar 114 canserve as a handle that can be grasped by a user who inserts his/herfingers within the gap 120 to maneuver the mobile accessory cart 100.Thus, the only working position in which the keyboard 117 can be placedto provide access to the keys is limited to ergonomically safepositions. In other words, the keyboard platform 110 locks outnon-ergonomic work positions.

As shown in FIG. 8, an exemplary palm support 126 is provided across thefront end of the U-shaped support bar 114 for added comfort duringtyping and transporting the accessory cart 100. The palm support 126 canbe comprised of a deformable material, such as Technogel® or any othersuitable material and can be attached to the U-shaped support bar 114 byany suitable attachment means, including but not limited to anovermolding, adhesives or any suitable mechanical mechanism.

In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 16A, the keyboard support surface 116includes an upwardly curved lip 115 and/or alternative stop mechanisms(e.g., notches or posts) at its rear end to prevent the keyboard 117from sliding out the back of the keyboard platform 110, due to theergonomic negative tilt of the keyboard support surface 116.

In the embodiment where the keyboard support surface 116 is slidablymounted, the contact between the keyboard support surface 116 and theU-shaped support bar 114 is frictionally enhanced such that the keyboardsupport surface 116 does not readily slide with respect to the U-shapedsupport bar 114. Rather, force (i.e., either pushing or pulling on thekeyboard support surface 116) is required to overcome the frictionalengagement between the keyboard support surface 116 and the U-shapedsupport bar 114. As a result, the keyboard support surface 116 can berelatively fixed with respect to the work platform 106 at any locationbetween the front-most and the rear-most positions. The keyboard supportsurface 116 may slide relative to the U-shaped support bar 114 by anysuitable means, including but not limited to, channels formed in eitherthe U-shaped support bar 114 or the underside of the keyboard supportsurface 116 that engage ribs on the other one of the U-shaped supportbar 114 and the underside of the keyboard support surface 116.

Moreover, as shown in steps 4 though 6 of FIG. 13, existing accessorycarts typically have a separate platform that swivels or slides out fromthe work platform for supporting a computer input device, such as amouse. However, the separate platform not only enlarges the footprint ofthe accessory cart, but also forces the user into a poor ergonomicposition since the user's hand must reach away from the work platform106 and the user's body. Additionally, if left extended from the workplatform after use, it is subject to being hit, knocked, and brokeneither when the accessory cart is being moved or when another personpasses by the accessory cart.

As shown in an embodiment depicted, for example, in FIG. 9A, thekeyboard support surface 116 is sized to fit the keyboard 117 and amouse 118 side-by-side, thereby functioning as both a keyboard platformand a mouse platform.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 10A and inmore detail in FIGS. 37 and 38, a computer input device platform 150 isslidably attached to the work platform 106 so that it can be adjustedfor right-hand or left-hand use. Rather than extend from a side of thework platform 106, the computer input device platform 119 attaches nearthe front the work platform 106, in a groove 550 formed in the topand/or a groove 552 formed in the bottom surface of the work platform106, and is slidable along the front edge of the work surface 108 atmost to the right and left edges of the work platform 106 to maintain asmall footprint, ensure that a user maintains proper ergonomicpositioning by operating the mouse 118 within the user's shoulder width,avoid damage to the computer input device platform 119, and to eliminatea user having to store the mouse 118 after each use (See FIGS. 30A to30D, 32, 34 and 36). As best seen in FIGS. 37 and 38, the computer inputdevice platform 150 includes a clamping means that includes a firstprotrusion 159 that extends in a first direction, which is substantiallyopposite that of a platform surface 154 on which the mouse 118 rests, asubstantially C-shaped extension 156, which protrudes from the undersideof the platform surface 154, and a second protrusion 158 that extendfrom the C-shaped extension 156 toward the first protrusion 159. Thecomputer input device platform 119 is comprised of a transparent and/orsemi-transparent material, such as plastic or glass that is clear or atleast partially clear, to allow to the user to view the keyboard 117 andthe control panel 130 at the front of the work platform 106.Additionally, the computer input device platform 150 can include atextured, semi-transparent surface to create friction and ensure themouse 118 does not slide off of the platform 119.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, an alternativecomputer input device platform 119 can be removably secured to thekeyboard support surface 516 by magnets, or any other known securingmeans, which secure the computer input device platform 119 to thekeyboard support surface 516, but which also allows the computer inputdevice platform 119 to be removed from the keyboard support surface 516if sufficient force is applied. Thus, the computer input device platform119 can be moved from one desired location on the keyboard supportsurface 516 to another desired location on the keyboard support surface516 and secured once again to the keyboard support surface 516. In theembodiment, magnets can be located on or in the computer input deviceplatform 119 and/or the work platform or the keyboard support surface516. Both of the computer input device platforms 119, 150 can beinstalled at the same time to allow a user to place the mouse 118 oneither desired platform 119, 150 or, if desired, one of the platforms119 or 150 can be removed.

Thus, the exemplary accessory cart 100 provides improved ergonomicpositioning of the keyboard 117 and the mouse 118 with either embodimentshown in FIGS. 9A and 10A. As best shown in FIG. 11B, both the keyboard117 and the mouse 118 are positioned within the shoulder width of theuser. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 9B, 10B, 30A-30D, 33 and 34C, thekeyboard platform 110, 510 is fixed at a negative angle so as to ensurethe user's forearm remains within the ergonomic region 76 (as describedin further detail below) while typing. The keyboard work platform can beorientated between 0 degrees and −45 degrees. Preferably, however, theexemplary keyboard platform 110 is positioned at about a 10° declinefrom the horizontal position (i.e., negative 10 degrees) and about 3inches below the work platform 106 so that the handle 114 is as far aspossible (laterally) from the base 102 to provide ample room for theuser's toe clearance while walking

In a further embodiment, the accessory cart 100 includes an automaticheight adjustment mechanism that automatically adjusts the height of thework platform 106 and/or the monitor 124 to a predetermined ergonomicpositioned associated with an input height. As used in the specificationand claims, “automatically adjustable” is defined as being moveable by anon-manual force to a predetermined position, the predetermined positionbeing based on information obtained by or contained within a device suchas a controller, processor, computer, or database. As used in thespecification and claims, “automatically adjusting” is defined as movingby a non-manual force to a predetermined position, the predeterminedposition being based on information obtained by or contained within adevice such as a controller, processor, computer, or database. Thepredetermined ergonomic position of the height adjustment mechanism isbased upon the average distance between the eyes and elbows of a personhaving the input height. Referring to FIG. 11A, an ergonomic position isone in which the user does not have to strain his/her neck to view themonitor 124 and maintains his/her forearm at the illustrated horizontalposition or within the region 72 for mousing and at the illustratedhorizontal position or within the region 74 for typing. As depicted inFIG. 11A, the “horizontal position” of the forearm is when the forearmis at approximately a 90° angle from the upper arm. Thus, the optimalposition of the monitor 124 is at or slightly below eye level, asindicated by the region 70. The mouse 118 or other computer input deviceshould be positioned so that the user's forearm can be maintained in thehorizontal position or slightly inclined within about 20° relative tothe horizontal position. The keyboard 117 should be positioned so thatthe user's forearm can be maintained in the horizontal position ordeclined within the 45° decline relative to the horizontal position. The“ergonomic negative angle” referenced above is derived from this 45°decline. To maintain the user's forearm within the region 74, thekeyboard 117 should be tilted at a negative angle relative to the user,i.e., the end of the keyboard 117 closest to the work platform 106, andthus furthest from the user, should be lower (i.e., closer to theground) than the end of the keyboard 117 closest to the user.

Thus, the keyboard platform 110 is configured to support the keyboard117 at an ergonomic negative angle. The keyboard platform 110 and thekeyboard support surface 116 are fixed at a negative angle relative tothe work platform 108. As shown in FIGS. 9B and 10B, for example, theuser's elbows are aligned with the work platform 108. Therefore, if thekeyboard platform 110 is fixed at a pre-determined ergonomic anglerelative to the work platform 106, it is only necessary to adjust theheight of the work platform 106 to fit each particular user to ensurethe correct ergonomic positioning in terms of user reach.

In another exemplary embodiment, the automatic height adjustmentmechanism can electronically adjust both the height of the work platform106 and the height of the monitor 124. As the height of the workplatform 106 is adjusted, the monitor 124 moves with the work platform106 since it is attached to the work platform 106 by the monitor mount121. Additionally, as described above, the monitor arm 125 allows forheight adjustment of the monitor 124 relative to the work platform 106.Thus, the height of the monitor 124 can also be adjusted independentfrom the adjustment of the work platform 106. However, the monitor mount121 for the accessory cart 100 is specially designed to support themonitor 124 at a predetermined neutral position, which is about midwaybetween the ergonomically recommended position for the tallest users (95percentile male) and the shortest users (5 percentile female). Thisposition is considered safe for all users because it eliminates thepossibility of extreme mal-adjustment, although it is not optimized foreach user. Therefore, if the work platform 106 is positioned at acorrect ergonomic height, the monitor 124 is more likely to also bepositioned at safe (or at least less poorly adjusted) height. Thus, theaccessory cart 100 reduces the need for independent adjustment of themonitor 124 relative to the work platform 106.

As shown in FIG. 8, the work platform 106 can include a control panel130 that is in communication with a processor (not shown) and theprocessor in turn is in communication with a database that contains alist of possible user heights and the predetermined ergonomic positionsassociated with each of the possible heights. The processor and thedatabase can be located within the base 102, the housing element 104, orthe work platform 106 of the accessory cart 100. Alternatively, theprocessor and/or the database can be located remote from the accessorycart 100, in wireless communication with each other and/or the controlpanel 130. The processor is also in communication with a motorized liftmechanism located within the base 102 and/or the housing element 104 ofthe accessory cart 100.

The control panel 130 can include a touch screen with a series of numberscrolls, a slide bar, a number pad, buttons, knobs or other suitablemeans accessible to the user for the input of the user's height.Alternatively, the control panel 130 can include a number of pre-setheight options selectable via a touch screen, buttons, or knobs. Thepre-set height options could include specific heights (e.g., 5′1″, 5′2″,5′3″, etc.) or height ranges (e.g., a button for heights in the range of4′8″ to 5′0″, a button for heights in the range of 5′1″ to 5′3″, abutton for heights in the range of 5′4″ to 5′6″ and so forth). Inanother alternative embodiment, each user has an access ID, with his/herheight information associated therewith, identifiable by the controlpanel 130 through, for example, swiping an access ID card or inputtingan access ID code. This could also be tied to the login or othersecurity feature (e.g., a biometric ID) which identifies the user andallows access to the computer to which the monitor 124 is connected.Near field communication technology, such as embedded within a user'scellular phone, can also allow the accessory cart to recognize theidentity of a user and obtain the height information associated withthat user.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the height of the work surface108 can be communicated to the user as the height of the work platform106 changed, through, for example, a display screen showing numbersscrolling, an icon indicating height increase, a slide bar, or a displayof changing numbers indicating the height change.

In a further embodiment, the control panel 130 can further include a“sit” height adjustment option the user can select through, for example,a button, scroll feature, slide or other interface, to adjust the workplatform 106 to a typical desk level (see FIG. 12).

In an even further alternative embodiments, the accessory cart 100 canbe equipped with a sensor (e.g., retinal, sonar, laser, IR, motion,position, and heat detecting sensor, a camera, or other measuringdevices) operable to detect a measurable aspect of a user, such as theheight of a user, and communicate the detected information to theprocessor. The sensor(s) can be coupled to the work platform 106,monitor mount 121, or the monitor 124.

As an example of a use of the accessory cart 100, when a user approachesthe accessory cart 100, the user inputs his/her height at the controlpanel 130. The height information is communicated to and received by theprocessor, which communicates with the database to obtain thepredetermined ergonomic position information associated with the user'sinput height. Based upon the received predetermined ergonomic positioninformation, the processor communicates an instruction to the motorizedlift mechanism to adjust the work platform 106 to the predeterminedergonomic position. Accordingly, the work platform 106 (and the monitor124 movable therewith) automatically adjusts to a height that isergonomic for the user.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the height of the monitor 124relative to the work platform 106 can also be adjusted using a motorizedheight adjustment mechanism that monitors specific motion to account fordifferences between the eyes and elbows of people with varying height(taller people tend to have longer torsos). Thus, like the motorizedlift mechanism for adjustment of the work platform 106, the motorizedmonitor lift mechanism can be in communication with the processor andoperable to further control the movement of the monitor 124 relative tothe work platform 106 upon receipt of instructions from the processor(based on the predetermined ergonomic position information).Anthropometric data could be used in determining the amount of monitorheight specific adjustment. This data could be stored separately in thedatabase from height adjustment data for the work platform 106.

Any automated or default positioning could include the possibility forthe user to position the monitor out of the recommended ergonomic rangeto accommodate the use of bi-focals, as shown in FIG. 6. If the monitor124 is out of the recommended ergonomic position, the cart 100automatically adjusts the monitor 124 back to the neutral position thenext time the cart 100 is adjusted. This ensures that poor ergonomicpositioning is not the default for the cart 100. In another embodiment,the accessory cart 100 can allow a user to make adjustments to thepredetermined platform height or the predetermined monitor height inorder to suit the user's personal preferences. These adjustments to thepredetermined heights can then be stored in a database for futureselection by that user.

Accordingly, the exemplary accessory cart 100 eliminates many of thesteps required to adjust a typical existing accessory cart 50 to anergonomic position. For example, referring to FIG. 13, the height of thework platform of the exemplary existing accessory cart 50 is manuallyadjusted at step 1; the height of the monitor is further adjustedmanually at step 2; the keyboard platform is adjusted at step 3; themouse platform is laterally extended at step 4; and the mouse positionedonto the mouse platform at steps 5 and 6. However, as shown in FIG. 14,a significant number of these steps are either eliminated or simplifiedwith the accessory cart 100. Instead of manually adjusting the height ofthe work platform 106, or pressing a button until an estimated ergonomicposition is reached, the accessory cart 100 automatically moves to anergonomic position based on the user's height, which can be input ordetected at step 1. Since the monitor mount 121 is specially designed tosupport the monitor 124 at the predetermined neutral position, furtheradjustment of the monitor 124 relative to the work platform 106 (at step2) is no longer required, although still an option with the accessorycart 100. Further, with the keyboard platform 110 (and computer inputdevice platform 119), the keyboard 117 and mouse 118 are positioned in adesired ergonomic range without the need for the additional adjustmentin steps 4 through 6.

In addition to the ergonomic advantages discussed above, the exemplaryaccessory cart 100 also has advanced control and mobility. Referring toFIGS. 15A and 15B, existing mobile accessory carts 55 are typicallyequipped with only four free-rotating swivel casters 56, which permitthe user to maneuver the cart around corners, or push it out of the wayif necessary, but makes the cart difficult to steer. In particular, themomentum of the cart may be a problem if the cart is moved quickly, asthe cart may become difficult to stop or turn. In addition, the carts 55are difficult to push in a straight line, as the four swivel casters maycause the cart to move slightly from side to side as it is pushed,especially if the floors are uneven. As shown in FIGS. 16B to 16E, anexemplary base 102 includes four swivel casters 140 and a tracking wheel144 deployable to support the base 102 as close to its center aspossible to balance the weight of the cart 100 and control the movementof the cart 100 from the center of gravity. Thus, the cart 100, whichrotates about the wheel 144 (when deployed), turns almost about its owncenter of gravity, providing better control and maneuverability.Additionally, the majority of the weight of the cart 100 is located low,close to the wheel 144, for increased control.

Referring to FIG. 16C, the tracking wheel 144 is biased in a firstposition, in which the wheel 144 is retracted within a cavity 146 in theunderside of the base 102 and does not engage a floor surface. Through awheel release mechanism, the wheel 144 is deployed to second trackingposition, in which the wheel 144 engages a floor surface, as show inFIG. 16D. As depicted in FIG. 16A, a wheel release switch 148 isdisposed along the underside of the keyboard support bar 114 so thatwhen the keyboard support bar 114 functions as the cart handle, theuser's hands (inserted through the gap 120) engage the wheel releaseswitch 148 as the user grasps the handle 114 to maneuver the accessorycart 100. When the switch 148 is engaged, by the user maintaining a gripin the switch 148, the wheel 144 is driven down to the floor surface byan electric motor housed within the base 102 and the wheel 144 is heldagainst the floor via a primary torsion spring that allows the wheel 144to passively travel approximately 8 mm below the nominal floor and backwithin the cavity 146 (approximately 25 mm about the nominal floor),while applying full contact force. This allows the wheel 144 to workacross troughs and over bumps. The wheel motor applies the downwardmotion to the wheel 144 via a control wire that operates a lever thatrotates a shaft, which lowers the wheel 144. A secondary torsion springlifts the wheel back within the cavity 146 when the motor is reversed.The secondary spring maintains tension in the control wire.Additionally, in an embodiment, the motor can operate the wire via apulley that is shaped to initially operate at high speed and low forceto quickly take the wheel 144 to the floor and then operate at low speedand high force to compress (wind up) the primary spring. This optimizesthe speed of operation and wheel contact force for a given motor size.When the switch 148 is released by the user, the wheel retracts backwithin the cavity 146. Thus, as shown in FIG. 16E, greater control andmobility are achieved, almost automatically, through the deployment ofthe tracking wheel 144 by merely grasping the cart handle 114 tomaneuver the cart 100, which in turn allows the cart 100 to be easilymoved out of the way when desired.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the control panel 130 can include, in additionto the height input display, a battery life indicator and a wheeltracking indicator, which informs the user as to whether or not thewheel release switch 148 is engaged and the wheel is “tracking” alongthe floor.

As best shown in FIGS. 16C-D, the base 102 can include a front inclinedsurface 103, which functions as a footrest for the user while in astanding position and also provides additional toe/stride clearance.

Referring to FIGS. 17A to 17D, the exemplary accessory cart 100 isdesigned to be used with a variety of wired or wireless computingsolutions, including but not limited to a laptop housed within the workplatform 106 (see FIG. 17A) or within a holder 151 at the back of thecart 100, a CPU housed within a CPU holder 153, (e.g., at the base 102of the cart 100), or a thin client solution (see FIG. 17D). The monitor124, keyboard 117, and mouse 118 can be connected to the computersolution through any suitable means known in the art and the computersolution can be connected to a power supply housed within the cart 100,(e.g., within the base 102), by any suitable means. As shown in FIG.18A, the housing element 104 can be at least partially hollow to providea cable management channel for cables connecting from a hub 134 in thebase 102 (see FIG. 18C). An additional hub 138 and/or a power cord reel136 can be housed within the work platform 106 (see FIG. 18B) or withinother locations on the accessory cart, (e.g., within the base 102). Thishelps with infection control issues (cords are difficult to clean), andis an aesthetic improvement. Another feature aiding with infectioncontrol is the fit between the outer surface of the height adjustablehousing element 104 within the cavity 146 of the housing element 104, asshown in FIGS. 19A-B.

As shown in FIGS. 20A-B, the exemplary accessory cart 100 can furtherinclude a work surface 160 that extends laterally for additionalworkspace and storage. The work surface 160 can be stored within thework platform 106 during nonuse. FIGS. 21A-C illustrate variousembodiments of additional storage drawers (FIGS. 21A and 21C), ledges(FIGS. 21B and 21C) and other accessories 162A to 162C, such asremovable side bins, scanners, cup-holders, etc.

The mobile accessory cart 100 can include any suitable power supply,including a rechargeable battery. Keeping the battery on mobileaccessory carts charged is a challenge. Healthcare professionals arevery busy, sometimes with life-threatening situations, and do not havethe time to focus on keeping the accessory carts plugged in. Since thehealthcare professionals usually use any cart available, and do not haveone cart assigned to each person, there is no sense of ownership for anyparticular cart. When the battery runs low, often another cart is usedand the cart that is out of power is abandoned. Without power, the cartscannot function and merely take up space. Further, running the batterydown too far can also damage the battery life, which means the batterylife will depreciate faster in the future and will need to be replacedmore often.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, the exemplary accessory cart 100 isdepicted as being charged wirelessly, alleviating the problems indicatedabove with respect to the failure to recharge accessory carts. In FIG.22, the accessory cart 100 is charged using magnetic inductiontechnology with a receiver 170, which is electrically coupled with arechargeable battery, for example, within the base 102, on the base 102communicating with transmitters 172 located within a baseboard 174 or awallpaper along a wall 175. The positioning of the transmitters 172allows for re-charging of the battery through induction even if thereceiver 170 is not perfectly aligned with the transmitters 172,although the cart 100 should be placed as close to the baseboard 174 aspossible for optimal battery charging. In FIG. 23, the accessory cart100 is charged using resonant inductive coupling technology. Here, thereceiver 176 is electrically coupled with the rechargeable batterywithin the base 102 and is located on the bottom of the base 102 so thatthe receiver 176 can communicate with daisy-chained transmitters 178 inthe floor 180. Alignment of the cart 100 is even less important in thissituation in view of the dispersion of the transmitters 178 throughoutthe flooring 180. As a result, wireless charging solutions, in whichtransmitters are positioned along the walls and/or flooring of themedical facility, alleviate the problems associated with having to relyon a busy healthcare professional to plug the cart 100 into a walloutlet for recharging of the battery.

Moreover, a motion sensor can be included in the exemplary accessorycart 100 that is operable to detect the presence of a user at the frontof the accessory cart 100 and turn on a light positioned on the frontunderside of the work platform 106 to light the keyboard platform 110.

Furthermore, the exemplary accessory cart 100 can provide ergonomictraining to the user, through a presentation device (e.g., a display onthe control panel 130, a monitor such as monitor 124, and/or a speaker),on general ergonomic principles, and specific instructions for cart use.In an embodiment, the ergonomic training can be in the form of apresentation such as interactive software, a video and/or audio file, aslide show, or any other suitable medium. The ergonomic trainingpresentation can be stored in the accessory cart 100 (for example, theergonomic training presentation could be stored in an on-boardcomputer), or the ergonomic training presentation could be stored in alocation that is remote from the accessory cart 100, but that is inwireless communication with the accessory cart. In another embodiment,the ergonomic training could be initiated at the request of the user,such as by the user pressing a button or making a selection on thecontrol panel 130, or, in yet another embodiment, the ergonomic trainingcould be initiated automatically upon the accessory cart detecting theapproach or arrival of a user. Automatic initiation of the ergonomictraining could be particularly desirable in the event that the accessorycart 100 detects that the approaching user is a new user who has notused the accessory cart 100 previously.

In yet an even further embodiment, the accessory cart 100 can have anon-board computer, which is housed within the base 102, housing element104, or the work platform 106, and used to track information aboutbattery use, battery life, user patterns, use positioning (sit orstand), duration of use, frequency of use, distance traveled, or otherrelevant information for use by the medical facility IT personnel orfacility planners for understanding the use of the accessory cart 100and future needs, or for future product development. The on-boardcomputer can comprise a micro-controller or the processor describedabove or can be separate therefrom. The on-board computer can alsoinclude a collision detection feature. When adjusting the height of thework platform 106, the monitor 124, or other component of the accessorycart 100, the work platform 106, monitor 124, or other component couldcollide with an external object, such as a desk or shelf. Upon such acollision, the on-board computer can detect the collision (e.g., such asby detecting changes in electrical current drawn by the motor as themotor strains against the external object), stop the height adjustmentmovement, and then reverse the height adjustment movement for a shortdistance, such as a distance of one inch. The on-board computer can becapable of other functions as well, such as facilitating wired orwireless communication between components or other desirable functions.

FIGS. 24 to 26 illustrate another exemplary accessory cart 200, whereinparts common with the accessory cart 100 are denoted by like referencenumerals increased by 100. In this embodiment, the monitor mount 221,which aids in the monitor 224 being able to be raised above the workplatform 206, has a different structure as compared to the monitor mount121 depicted, for example, in FIG. 1. FIGS. 24-26 should not beconstrued as limiting the monitor mount 221 structurally as the monitormount 221 and can take many different forms. As shown in FIGS. 24 to 26,the monitor mount 221 includes an adjustment mechanism 250 (e.g., aUniversal Front-End Adjuster manufactured by Humanscale®) attached tothe monitor arm 225, which allows for height adjustment of the monitor224. Exemplary adjustment mechanisms are described in U.S. applicationSer. No. 11/150,870, and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/102,312, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Theadjustment mechanism 250 allows for additional height adjustment of themonitor 224 independently of the work platform 206 to account fordifferences between the eyes and elbows of users with varying height.The monitor 225 can be adjusted manually via the adjustment mechanism250 or automatically via a motorized lift mechanism specific to monitoradjustment and coupled to the adjustment mechanism 250 (as similarlydisclosed above with respect to the accessory cart 100). Additionally,in the exemplary embodiment, the monitor arm 225 is rotatably attachedto the support frame 222 such that it is operable to rotate about anaxis substantially parallel with the housing element 204 to turn themonitor 224 around to allow for patient viewing. In this embodiment, thetelescoping aspect of the housing element 204 is reversed such that thelarger housing element 204 is connected to the base 202 and the narrowhousing element 204 is located closer to the work platform 206.

Although the keyboard platform 210 is slightly different in structurefrom the keyboard platform 110 of the accessory cart 100, the keyboardplatform 210 can take many forms, can be fixed at an ergonomic negativeangle, and can function as a handle through.

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate additional embodiments of accessory carts 300and 400, respectively, similar to the previously disclosed accessorycarts 100 and 200, but with different work platform options. As shown inFIG. 27, the work platform 306 includes a slot within which a monitorrests. The work platform 406 in FIG. 28 extends vertically, in place ofa monitor mount, and includes a recess within which the keyboard portionof a laptop is positioned. The laptop monitor extends above the workplatform 406 and is supported by a monitor support 425 attached to thework platform 406. The work platform 406 thus elevates the laptop to apredetermined ergonomic position.

FIGS. 29A-C illustrate additional configurations of storage options 600,602, 604 (e.g., side drawers, ledges, and cable management) that can beincorporated into any of the accessory cart embodiments.

Alternatively, FIGS. 30A through 30D, 32 and 34 through 36, depict yetanother embodiment of an accessory cart 500. As shown, the accessorycart 500 includes a keyboard platform 510 with arms 511 that extend froma work platform 506, a keyboard support surface 516, and a u-shapedsupport bar 514a that is spaced from the keyboard support surface 516.The keyboard support surface 516, which is located in the keyboardplatform 510, is permanently fixed at a negative angle and is notslidable. Instead, the keyboard support surface 516 is fixed at anunadjustable position on the keyboard platform 510 such that a permanentgap 520 is created between the keyboard support surface 516 and thesupport bar 514. The cart 500 further includes a first groove 550, whichis formed in the work surface 508 and a second groove, which is formedin a bottom surface of the work platform 506. The grooves 550, 552 allowthe computer input device platform 150 to be slideable laterally aboutthe work surface 506 of the cart 500.

Additionally, FIGS. 30A to 34E include yet additional drawerconfigurations and storage options 606, 608, 610 and 612 that can beincorporated into any accessory cart embodiment. The accessory carts canbe configured with drawers of different sizes and shapes to accommodatevarious storage needs. As shown in FIG. 30A, a single drawer 610 isincorporated into the cart 500. Alternatively, FIGS. 30B through 30Dillustrate the cart 500 configured with multiple drawers 608, 610, 612of different sizes and shapes. Each drawer can be equipped with a latchmechanism, which secures the drawer in place or locks the drawer toprevent unauthorized access.

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of one drawer 606 configurationthat can be incorporated in any of the described accessory carts.

FIGS. 33A through 33E show various additional accessories 614 and 616that can be attached or installed on any accessory cart describedherein.

FIG. 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the computer input deviceplatform 150 assembled with the accessory cart 500. However, it shouldbe noted again that the computer input device platform 150 can be usedwith any accessory cart embodiment described herein. As depicted, thecomputer input device platform 150 extends from the work surface 508around the front of the cart 500 and terminates at an underside of thework platform 506. To secure the computer input device platform 150 tothe cart 500, the first protrusion 159 is arranged in the first groove550 and the second protrusion 158 is arranged in a second groove 552.The computer input device platform 150 can be arranged in the grooves550, 552 by any known means, including, but not limited to, a snap-fit.Finally, FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate various views the computer inputdevice platform 150 described in detail above.

The foregoing description and accompanying drawings illustrate theprinciples, exemplary embodiments, and modes of operation of theinvention. However, the invention should not be construed as beinglimited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additionalvariations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art and the above-described embodiments should beregarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it shouldbe appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

We claim:
 1. An accessory cart, comprising: a base; a housing elementconnected to the base, the housing element extending upward from thebase; and a monitor operatively connected to the housing element, withthe height of the monitor being automatically adjustable.
 2. Theaccessory cart of claim 1, further comprising a work platform connectedto the housing element.
 3. The accessory cart of claim 1, wherein themonitor is rotatable relative to the housing element.
 4. The accessorycart of claim 2, wherein the monitor is connected to the work platform.5. The accessory cart of claim 2, wherein the monitor is supported onthe work platform by a monitor mount.
 6. The accessory cart of claim 1,wherein the housing element is at least partially hollow.
 7. Theaccessory cart of claim 2, wherein the work platform comprises a worksurface.
 8. The accessory cart of claim 7, wherein the work surfaceextends laterally from the work platform.
 9. The accessory cart of claim1, further comprising an on-board computer.
 10. The accessory cart ofclaim 1, wherein the base comprises a front inclined surface.
 11. Theaccessory cart of claim 2 further comprising a keyboard support surfacefixedly attached to the accessory cart at a negative angle with respectto a horizontal surface.
 12. The accessory cart of claim 11 wherein thenegative angle is greater than −45 degrees.
 13. The accessory cart ofclaim 2 wherein the work platform and the monitor are each separatelyautomatically adjustable.
 14. The accessory cart of claim 3 furthercomprising a monitor arm pivotally coupled to the monitor and theaccessory cart.
 15. The accessory cart of claim 14 wherein the monitorarm is manually pivotable thereby allowing the height of the monitor tobe manually adjusted from an automatically adjustable height to a secondheight.
 16. An accessory cart, comprising: a base; a housing elementconnected to the base, the housing element extending upward from thebase; a work platform connected to the housing element, a height of thework platform being automatically adjustable; and an on-board computer.17. The accessory cart of claim 16 further comprising an input devicecommunicating with the onboard computer and the input device isconfigured to receive an input related to a user's height andcommunicate that input to the onboard computer.
 18. The accessory cartof claim 17 wherein the input device comprises a sensor located on theaccessory cart and configured to detect a measurable characteristic of auser.
 19. The accessory cart of claim 17 wherein the input device is awireless communication device adapted to wirelessly receive a useridentifier.
 20. The accessory cart of claim 17 wherein the input that isrelated to the user's height is related to the height of the user in aseated position.